Source : The Parliament of Valencia's "Institutional
Declaration", adopted by all political
parties on 30 April 1997
Date : April 1997
Dateline :Valencia, Spain
Original language : Valenciano
The Valencian Parliament has expressed on several occasions its concern about violations of human rights in different countries. We believe that concern about the rights of other individuals is our duty.
For many years now, the people of East Timor have had to endure the occupation of their country by Indonesia, a State which has systematically denied and violated both their individual rights and collective rights as a nation.
Among those who have fallen victim to this persecution is Xanana Gusmao, the leader of the East Timorese resistance movement, captured in 1991 and now serving a 20-year prison sentence. Another victim is the Indonesian independent labour leader and pro-democracy activist, Muchtar Pakpahan. Muchtar, who could be sentenced to death, has expressed support for self-determination in East Timor.
The Valencian Parliament hereby joins in the appeals being made by various humanitarian organisations calling for the release of these two people.
Furthermore, given that the 25 April is approaching, the Valencian Parliament wishes to reaffirm herein its total support for both the rights of individuals and the collective rights of peoples.
If we are to live in peace in this world, there must be respect, law and justice.
(Poster's note: the error on Xanana's arrest date was in the original text)